What number verse is Numbers 29:16 in the Bible?

Numbers 29:16 is the 4,625th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Numbers 29:16 sits at position 4,625.

Translation

King James Version

And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And one ^H259 kid ^H8163 of the goats ^H5795 for a sin offering ^H2403; beside the continual ^H8548 burnt offering ^H5930, his meat offering ^H4503, and his drink offering ^H5262.

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Complete Jewish Bible

also one male goat as a sin offering; in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain and drink offerings.

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Berean Standard Bible

Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.

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American Standard Version

and one he-goat for a sin-offering; besides the continual burnt-offering, the meal-offering thereof, and the drink-offering thereof.

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World English Bible Messianic

and one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, its meal offering, and its drink offering.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And one hee goate for a sinne offring, beside the continuall burnt offring, his meate offring, and his drinke offring.

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Young's Literal Translation

and one kid of the goats, a sin-offering; apart from the continual burnt-offering, its present, and its libation.

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In the KJVVerse 4,625 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 29:16 concludes the meticulously detailed sacrificial instructions for the eighth and final day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Shemini Atzeret). It specifically mandates "one kid of the goats for a sin offering," to be presented alongside the foundational "continual burnt offering" with its accompanying grain and drink offerings. This verse powerfully encapsulates the enduring necessity of atonement and purification within Israelite worship, even amidst profound national celebration, and underscores the unwavering commitment to daily devotion required for maintaining their covenant relationship with a holy God.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Numbers 29 is situated within a significant section of the book (Numbers 26-36) that prepares the second generation of Israelites for their entry into the Promised Land, emphasizing divine laws and covenant stipulations pertinent to their future life in Canaan. Specifically, chapter 29 meticulously outlines the precise sacrificial requirements for Israel's annual feasts: the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the extensive Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles, a seven-day festival followed by an eighth solemn assembly (Shemini Atzeret), receives the most detailed attention (Numbers 29:12-38), featuring a unique daily decrease in the number of bullocks offered. Numbers 29:16, therefore, represents the culmination of these elaborate instructions for the final, distinct day, highlighting that even after a week of intense rejoicing, the fundamental need for a sin offering and the maintenance of the daily, foundational offerings remained paramount and non-negotiable.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals, requiring all Israelite males to journey to Jerusalem to appear before the Lord (as prescribed in Deuteronomy 16:16). This festival served a dual purpose: it commemorated God's faithful provision and protection during the forty years of wilderness wanderings, when Israel dwelled in temporary shelters (recalled in Leviticus 23:42-43), and it celebrated the joyful ingathering of the autumn harvest. The "eighth day," Shemini Atzeret, was distinct from the seven days of Sukkot, often regarded as a separate, solemn assembly—a day of rest, reflection, and renewed focus on God after the week of agricultural thanksgiving and historical remembrance. The precise, divinely ordained sacrifices, as detailed throughout Numbers 29, were central to Israelite worship, reflecting the absolute holiness of Yahweh and the necessity of ritual purity for maintaining a covenant relationship in a cultural landscape where sacrificial systems were common, yet uniquely defined by God for His chosen people.
Key Themes: Numbers 29:16 significantly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of Holiness and Atonement. The persistent requirement of a sin offering, even during a time of national rejoicing, underscores the pervasive nature of sin and ritual impurity among the people and the absolute holiness of God, who demands a divinely appointed means of purification for His presence to dwell among them. This constant need for cleansing points to the inherent inadequacy of repeated animal sacrifices, foreshadowing a more perfect, once-for-all atonement. Secondly, the explicit mention of the "continual burnt offering" highlights the theme of Continual Worship and Dependence. These daily offerings symbolized Israel's unwavering devotion and recognition of God's sovereignty and provision, serving as a perpetual reminder of their covenant relationship and their reliance on His grace for sustenance and protection, a concept echoed in passages like Exodus 29:38-42. Lastly, the meticulous detail of the instructions throughout Numbers 29, including this specific verse, emphasizes the theme of Divine Order and Obedience. God's precise commands for worship taught Israel that true devotion was not arbitrary but required faithful adherence to His revealed will, fostering reverence, discipline, and a deep understanding of His character within the community.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Sin offering (Hebrew, chaṭṭâʼâh', H2403): This term (H2403), derived from a root meaning "to miss the mark," refers to an offense, its penalty, or the sacrifice made for expiation. In the context of the Mosaic Law, the chaṭṭâʼâh was a specific sacrifice offered primarily for purification from unintentional sins or ritual impurity. Its main function was to cleanse the worshiper or the sanctuary from defilement, thereby restoring the individual or community to a state of ritual purity acceptable for fellowship with God. It was not primarily about guilt for deliberate, high-handed transgression, but about removing obstacles to God's presence caused by inadvertent sin or uncleanness, making atonement (covering) possible.
Continual (Hebrew, tâmîyd', H8548): This word (H8548) denotes continuance or indefinite extension, often used attributively to mean constant or perpetual. In the context of the Tabernacle/Temple, tâmîyd specifically refers to the regular, daily sacrifices, particularly the burnt offering (the ʿôlāh tāmîd). Its inclusion here emphasizes the unbroken, ongoing nature of Israel's worship and dedication to God, a constant act of acknowledgment of His sovereignty that transcended the specific requirements of festivals.
Meat offering (Hebrew, minchâh', H4503): This term (H4503), often translated as "grain offering" or "meal offering," refers to a donation or a sacrificial offering, typically bloodless and voluntary. It usually consisted of flour, oil, and frankincense, representing the fruit of the land and human labor offered back to God as an act of thanksgiving, dedication, and a symbol of covenant fidelity. It was a standard accompaniment to burnt offerings and peace offerings, signifying a worshiper's devotion and gratitude for divine provision.

Verse Breakdown

"And one kid of the goats [for] a sin offering": This clause precisely specifies the animal—a single male goat—designated for the chaṭṭâʼt (sin offering) on the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles. While the number of bullocks decreased significantly on this final day, the sin offering remained indispensable. Its inclusion underscores the persistent need for purification from unintentional sins or ritual impurities that might have accumulated even during a week of celebration, ensuring the people's continued acceptability before a holy God. It highlights that even in times of joy, humanity's inherent fallenness requires divine provision for cleansing.
"beside the continual burnt offering": This phrase clarifies that the special festival sin offering was in addition to the regularly scheduled daily burnt offering. The "continual burnt offering" (the ʿōlat tāmîd) was a standing fixture of the Tabernacle/Temple worship, offered every morning and evening. Its mention here emphasizes that even during major festivals, the foundational, daily acts of worship and dedication to God were not suspended but continued as a constant expression of Israel's covenant fidelity and their perpetual acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.
"his meat offering, and his drink offering": These are the standard accompanying offerings for the burnt offering. The "meat offering" (Hebrew: minchah, grain offering) typically consisted of flour, oil, and frankincense, representing the fruit of the land and human labor offered back to God as an act of thanksgiving and dedication. The "drink offering" (Hebrew: nesek, a libation) usually involved wine poured out before the Lord, symbolizing devotion, joy, and the shedding of life. Their inclusion here confirms the completeness of the daily sacrificial routine, emphasizing the holistic nature of worship that encompassed various forms of offerings, acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty over all aspects of life.

Literary Devices

Numbers 29:16, within the broader context of the chapter, employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is Repetition, as the chapter meticulously repeats the formulaic listing of sacrifices for each day of the feasts, emphasizing the divine order, the precision required for worship, and the Israelites' need for unwavering obedience. This verse specifically uses Juxtaposition by placing the unique festival sin offering "beside" the "continual burnt offering" and its accompaniments. This highlights both the specific needs of the solemn assembly (purification from accumulated defilement) and the unchanging, ongoing nature of Israel's daily devotion to God. Furthermore, the various offerings mentioned carry rich Symbolism: the sin offering symbolizes purification and atonement; the burnt offering represents total dedication and complete surrender; the grain offering signifies thanksgiving for provision and the offering of human labor; and the drink offering embodies devotion, joy, and the pouring out of one's life. These symbolic acts collectively paint a vivid picture of a people in constant, ordered, and dependent relationship with their holy God.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 29:16, though a seemingly technical detail of the Mosaic Law, provides profound theological insights into God's character and humanity's perennial condition. The persistent need for a "sin offering" even during periods of celebration underscores the pervasive reality of sin and ritual impurity, demonstrating that access to a holy God always requires a divinely appointed means of atonement. This entire sacrificial system, with its repeated offerings, served as a temporary provision, constantly pointing to the inherent inadequacy of animal blood and the ultimate need for a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that could truly cleanse and reconcile humanity to God. The "continual burnt offering" further emphasizes God's desire for an ongoing, dedicated relationship with His people, a relationship sustained by both His grace and their obedient worship. The meticulousness of these instructions reveals God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including worship, and His desire for a people who would approach Him with reverence, order, and a deep understanding of His holiness.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the specific regulations in Numbers 29:16, has been perfectly fulfilled in the singular and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse serves as a stark reminder that sin is a constant reality, even in our moments of joy, celebration, or spiritual triumph, necessitating an ongoing reliance on God's grace for purification and forgiveness. It challenges any notion of self-sufficiency or inherent purity, directing our gaze to the divine provision for reconciliation. For us, the "sin offering" is no longer an animal sacrifice but the finished work of Christ on the cross, which provides complete and eternal atonement. The concept of "continual offerings" encourages us to live a life of unwavering dedication and worship, not through ritualistic animal sacrifices, but by presenting our entire lives—our bodies, minds, and spirits—as "living sacrifices," holy and pleasing to God. This means daily repentance, seeking forgiveness, and offering our time, talents, and resources in service and devotion, acknowledging God's sovereignty and our complete dependence on Him in every aspect of our existence. It calls us to a life of continuous, Spirit-empowered worship that permeates every action and thought.

Questions for Reflection

How does the persistence of the "sin offering" even amidst celebration challenge our understanding of sin and grace in our own lives today?
In what ways can we offer "continual burnt offerings" of dedication and "meat/drink offerings" of our lives to God today, as spiritual sacrifices?
What does the meticulous detail of God's instructions in Numbers 29 teach us about the nature of true worship and our approach to Him?

FAQ

Question: Why was a sin offering still needed on the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of great joy and celebration?

Answer: Even during periods of intense celebration and communal worship, the Israelites, as imperfect human beings, would inevitably incur unintentional sins or ritual impurities. The sin offering (Hebrew: chaṭṭâʼâh) was not primarily for deliberate, high-handed rebellion, but for cleansing from these impurities or sins committed unknowingly. Its inclusion on the eighth day, a solemn assembly, underscored the pervasive nature of sin and the constant need for purification to maintain a holy relationship with God. It served as a reminder that access to God's presence always required atonement, even in times of great joy and thanksgiving, highlighting the absolute holiness of God and the imperfect nature of humanity. This principle profoundly foreshadows the ongoing need for grace and forgiveness in the believer's life, even after salvation, as we continue to stumble and fall short of God's glory (see 1 John 1:8-9).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Numbers 29:16, with its emphasis on the sin offering and the continual offerings, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "one kid of the goats for a sin offering" powerfully foreshadows the singular, perfect sacrifice of the Lamb of God who, by His own blood, entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption for all who believe (see Hebrews 9:12). Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices, which had to be repeated daily and annually because they possessed no intrinsic power to truly take away sin (see Hebrews 10:4), Christ's offering was a "once for all" act that perfectly atoned for sin and purified those who draw near to God (see Hebrews 10:10-14). Furthermore, the "continual burnt offering" and its accompaniments, symbolizing ongoing dedication and communion, are fulfilled in Christ's perpetual intercession for us before the Father (see Hebrews 7:25) and in the New Covenant call for believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, as their spiritual worship. Through Christ, we have continuous, confident access to God's presence, not based on our ritual performance, but on His perfect, sufficient, and eternally effective offering.

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Commentary on Numbers 29 verses 12–40

12 ¶ And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days:

13 And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish:

14 And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams,

15 And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs:

16 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.

17 And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:

18 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

19 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering thereof, and their drink offerings.

20 And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;

21 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

22 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.

23 And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:

24 Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

25 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.

26 And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:

27 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

28 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.

29 And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:

30 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

31 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.

32 And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:

33 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

34 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.

35 On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein:

36 But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:

37 Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:

38 And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.

39 These things ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.

40 And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.

Soon after the day of atonement, that day in which men were to afflict their souls, followed the feast of tabernacles, in which they were to rejoice before the Lord; for those that sow in tears shall soon reap in joy. To the former laws about this feast, which we had, Lev 23:34, etc., here are added directions about the offerings by fire, which they were to offer unto the Lord during the seven days of that feast, Lev 23:36. Observe here, 1. Their days of rejoicing were to be days of sacrifices. A disposition to be cheerful does us no harm, nor is any bad symptom, when it is so far from unfitting us for the duties of God's immediate service that it encourages and enlarges our hearts in them. 2. All the days of their dwelling in booths they must offer sacrifices. While we are here in a tabernacle-state, it is our interest as well as duty constantly to keep up communion with God; nor will the unsettledness of our outward condition excuse us in our neglect of the duties of God's worship. 3. The sacrifices for each of the seven days, though differing in nothing but the number of the bullocks, are severally and particularly appointed, which yet is no vain repetition; for God would thus teach them to be very exact in those observances, and to keep an eye of faith fixed upon the institution in every day's work. It likewise intimates that the repetition of the same services, if performed with an upright heart, and with a continued fire of pious and devout affection, is no weariness to God, and therefore we ought not to snuff at it, or to say, Behold, what a weariness it is to us! 4. The number of bullocks (which were the most costly part of the sacrifice) decreased every day. On the first day of the feast they were to offer thirteen, on the second day but twelve, on the third day eleven, etc. So that on the seventh they offered seven; and the last day, though it was the great day of the feast, and celebrated with a holy convocation, yet they were to offer but one bullock; and, whereas on all the other days they offered two rams and fourteen lambs, on this they offered but one ram and seven lambs. Such was the will of the Law-maker, and that is reason enough for the law. Some suggest that God herein considered the infirmity of the flesh, which is apt to grudge the charge and expense of religion; it is therefore ordered to grow less and less, that they might not complain as if God had made them to serve with an offering, Isa 43:23. Or it is hereby intimated to them that the legal dispensation should wax old, and vanish away at last; and the multitude of their sacrifices should end in one great sacrifice, infinitely more worthy than all of them. It was on the last day of the feast, after all these sacrifices had been ordered, that our Lord Jesus stood and cried to those who still thirsted after righteousness (being sensible of the insufficiency of these sacrifices to justify them) to come unto him and drink, Joh 7:37. 5. The meat-offerings and drink-offerings attended all the sacrifices, according to their number, after the manner. Be there ever so much flesh, it is no feast without bread and drink, therefore these must never be omitted at God's altar, which was his table. We must not think that doing much in religion will be accepted if we do not do it well, and after the manner that God has appointed. 6. Every day there must be a sin-offering presented, as we observed in the other feasts. Our burnt-offerings of praise cannot be accepted of God unless we have an interest in the great sacrifice of propitiation which Christ offered when for us he made himself a sin-offering. 7. Even when all these sacrifices were offered, yet the continual burnt-offering must not be omitted either morning or evening, but each day this must be offered first in the morning and last in the evening. No extraordinary services should jostle out our stated devotions. 8. Though all these sacrifices were required to be presented by the body of the congregation, at the common charge, yet, besides these, particular persons were to glorify God with their vows and their free-will offerings, Num 29:39. When God commanded that this they must do, he left room for the generosity of their devotion, a great deal more they might do, not inventing other worships, but abounding in these, as Ch2 30:23, Ch2 30:24. Large directions had been given in Leviticus concerning the offerings of all sorts that should be brought by particular persons according to the providences of God concerning them and the graces of God in them. Though every Israelite had an interest in these common sacrifices, yet he must not think that these will serve instead of his vows and his free-will offerings. Thus our ministers' praying with us and for us will not excuse us from praying for ourselves.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–40. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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